Griffin Hospital in Derby to host talk for caregivers

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Griffin Hospital and The Valley Senior Services Council will host a talk to help caregivers keep their loved ones safe and independent at 5:30 p.m. April 20.

DERBY - Griffin Hospital’s Healthy U program and The Valley Senior Services Council will host a talk to help caregivers keep their loved ones safe and independent at 5:30 p.m. April 20 at the hospital, 130 Division St.

Dawnmarie Hunter, of Visiting Nurse Association of South Central CT, and Kim Vertrees, Community Liaison with Connecticut In-Home Assistance Home care, will present “Keeping Your Loved One Independent and Safe.” The talk will explain the difference between medical and non-medical home care, including when and why you need it, how to search for it, and how to pay for it.

A Griffin Hospital physical therapist will also discuss fall safety and demonstrate exercises for balance and core strengthening, and Tara Kelly, of Griffin Hospital Lifeline, will present information on home safety and preventing avoidable fall injuries.

The talk is part of a series that focuses on providing information, resources and support to caregivers of seniors, especially those of “the sandwich generation,” who are caring for a senior loved one while still managing work and care of their children. 

However, the series will share information and resources that are beneficial to anyone caring for another person.

A light dinner sponsored by Valley Senior Services Council and their Valley United Way Special Needs Grant and Griffin Hospital Lifeline will be provided at 4:30 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their loved one for whom they provide care.

On May 18, “The Caregiver’s Toolbox” will feature a presentation by Maria Tomasetti of The Alzheimer’s Association, on care methods for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including communication strategies and helpful activities. Griffin Hospital Community Outreach Program will present a “toolbox” of resources for caregivers to help a loved one manage their disease and gain control of their health.

The series wraps up at 5:30 p.m. June 8 with a variety of presentations on caregiving from area resources, including Wesley Village UMH, Sunset Shores, Griffin Hospital Lifeline, Alzheimer’s Association, TEAM, Valley Transit District and Agency on Aging. 

The presentations will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

Space is limited; registration is required. Call 203-732-1511 or register online at the Griffin Hospital events calendar at griffinhealth.org.

This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.